Epidemiology and Predisposing Factors of Post-COVID Venous Thrombosis: A Concise Review

Semin Thromb Hemost. 2024 Mar;50(2):271-274. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-1770051. Epub 2023 Jun 16.

Abstract

Long-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) represents a heterogeneous clinical syndrome characterized by a pathologic continuum of signs, symptoms, and also laboratory/radiologic abnormalities that may persist for a long time after recovering from an acute severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus disease 2 infection. Among the various components of this postviral condition, the risk of venous thromboembolism in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 remains considerably higher after discharge, especially in older individuals, in men, in patients with longer hospital stays and more aggressive treatment (e.g., mechanical ventilation and/or intensive care), when thromboprophylaxis is not used, and in those with a persistent prothrombotic state. Patients who have these predisposing factors should be monitored more closely to intercept any thrombosis that may occur in a post-COVID time-related manner but may also benefit from extended thromboprophylaxis and/or antiplatelet therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Causality
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Venous Thromboembolism* / epidemiology
  • Venous Thromboembolism* / etiology
  • Venous Thrombosis* / epidemiology
  • Venous Thrombosis* / etiology

Substances

  • Anticoagulants